Komatsu Corporation

Komatsu Utility Co., Ltd.

Shigeru Nitta

Hajime Iida

Manabu Uenosono

Takeshi Kurokawa

Shinichiro Okubo

Kazuaki Ohtsuki

A function for authenticating an operator to control whether to permit them to operate a vehicle () can be added to the vehicle by simple modification. An operation permission control device () is installed on the vehicle (). The operation permission control device () incorporates a relay inserted in the middle of a start signal line () connecting a key switch () and vehicle start circuit () (starter relay of an engine-powered vehicle or main controller of a battery-powered vehicle) and can open and close the start signal line (). The operation permission control device () reads data of a authentication card () carried by the operator, collates the read data with preprogrammed data in a removable set memory a (). If the data match, the device connects the start signal line () to enable start of the vehicle. A vehicle code of one vehicle () and codes of a plurality of operators are registered in the set memory () by a vehicle management device (), and a code of a single operator and codes of a plurality of vehicles can be registered in the authentication card ().

Growing community of inventors

Oyama, Japan

Shigeru Nitta